Travel guide - Nice

A place of timeless beauty, cradled by the heavenly waters of the Bay of Angels, Nice is a city of sunny strolls. A gentle taste of Provence and the Mediterranean awaits in the capital of the French Riviera. Formerly a small bourgeois city in the South of France, Nice burst into bloom during the Belle Epoque. As you stroll along the famous Promenade des Anglais during your stay in Nice, you will discover the charmingly faded glamour of a seaside resort built in the late nineteenth century, with its grand palaces and mansions. Under a sometimes haughty air hides a city where lifestyle has become almost a religion.

Far from being a sleepy seaside city, life in Nice often unfolds at a frenzied pace. Visit Nice at Carnival time to witness one of the largest winter carnivals in France. Watch as the parade of decorated floats passes by, and join in with the delightful Flower Battles for which the Nice Carnival is so famous.

At night, Nice turns into a young and vibrant metropolis. Renowned for its nightlife, many tourists come to Nice to enjoy its bars and also its beach which is less than 5 minutes from the centre of town.

Nice is also a very European city, with a love of art and artists. The collections at the Matisse and Marc Chagall museums, as well as the modern and contemporary art museum reflect this passion.

On your trip to Nice and along the French Riviera, you will discover a city with international influences. The Orthodox Cathedral of St Nicolas is a symbol of the Russian presence in Nice.

Step back in time with a visit to the Roman archaeological site where you can learn all about the origins of Nice.

Nice is a very Mediterranean city, and this is reflected in its flavours, too. Specialities include olives, candied fruit and salad nicoise, and Nicoise cuisine is tasty, fragrant and light.

Whether you prefer beaches, gardens or bars, come and enjoy the lifestyle in this sun-soaked and sophisticated city.